House plants bring joy to the plainest of interiors. So, what better subject to launch our new garden column than how to expand your succulent collection with minimal effort?

Spring offers the ideal conditions for propagating succulents, as the warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours encourage root development and growth.

To start, select healthy, mature succulent plants to take cuttings from. Using a clean, sharp knife or scissors, snip off a leaf or stem, ensuring the cut is clean to prevent infection. Allow the cuttings to dry out for a few days in a warm, shaded area. This drying period, or ‘callusing’, is crucial as it helps prevent rot when the cutting is planted.

Connie Rhigas is a local florist and owner of Adelaide Flower House.

Once callused, place the cutting into well-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent mix. Insert the stem slightly into the soil, ensuring the leaf cuttings rest on top of the soil. Water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry, to prevent overwatering, which can lead to rot. Within a few weeks, roots will begin to form and new growth will be visible.

As the cuttings establish themselves, gradually increase sunlight exposure to help them thrive. By mid-spring, your succulent cuttings should be well on their way to becoming vibrant, healthy plants, ready to enhance your garden.

In our recent example we have incorporated two small calathea plants, cuttings of jade, ivy and prickly pear. Not all cuttings are successful but something like we have created can sit on a kitchen counter, coffee table or bathroom for months without much care, just a little water. If you are like me, you will probably want a change after that. Cost effective and gorgeous. All you will need is a little potting mix and a pot plus cuttings from friends.

Give it a go!

Visit Adelaide Flower House at 43 Unley Road, Parkside, and connect with the business on Instagram or via the website.